Free e-books to carry ads

Well, books have got transformed into e-books in the new digital age. And now e-books is on the verge of another major transformation that might shake up the very concept of books itself. For book may no longer be the same ever again as its likely to turn up like magazines if the latest plans drawn up by the marketing world is indeed turned into reality. For they are now actively thinking of introducing ads into the e-books in exchange for making them completely free of cost. Not a bad idea but it sure will lead to some heated debate along with stiff opposition from those who’d like to keep books the way they are. And in the end, there is every likelihood of two distinct versions of books coming on to the scene – one that is ad free and has a price attached to it and another that comes free but will include ads to compensate the book’s cost.

In any case, quite a few advertising models are now being tried out which includes concepts such as sponsorships, videos, graphics, or maybe just text which might be accommodated along the book’s borders or might be the first thing to catch our attention when the book is first opened. Marketing guys are also toying with the idea of introducing ads that would match with the content the book carries or maybe even the demography or the reader’s profile.

It would be interesting as to what comes out in the end and how readers and authors might react to this. Or how revenue is going to be shared in the new scheme of things.

Sovan Mandal is the senior tablet and tech corespondent for goodereader.com. He brings a international approach to news that is not just applicable to the North American market, but also Asia, India, Europe and others. Sovy brings his own writing flavor to the website and is interested in Science Fiction, Technology and Writing. Any questions, send an email